10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2010

CHURCH & DWIGHT CO INC /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Jul 2, 2010

Filed August 9, 2010For Securities:CHD

Summary

Church & Dwight Co., Inc. reported a solid performance for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal year 2010, demonstrating revenue growth and improved profitability. Net sales increased by 2.9% for the quarter and 5.9% for the year-to-date period, driven by volume growth, favorable foreign exchange rates, and the acquisition of the Simply Saline brand. The company also successfully managed its operating expenses, with a notable decrease in marketing expenses, contributing to a significant increase in income from operations and net income. Profitability metrics showed strong improvement, with gross profit and gross margin increasing year-over-year. This was supported by manufacturing efficiencies, cost reductions from facility consolidations, and favorable foreign exchange. Despite some challenges like increased trade promotion and slotting costs, the company's strategic initiatives, including operational enhancements and prudent expense management, have positioned it well. Investors should note the company's continued commitment to returning value through dividends and share repurchases, alongside ongoing investments in its brands and operational infrastructure.

Financial Statements
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Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 2.9% to $640.9 million for the second quarter and 5.9% to $1.3 billion for the first six months of 2010, compared to the prior year periods.
  • 2Gross profit increased by $9.3 million to $290.9 million in Q2 2010, with gross margin improving by 20 basis points to 45.4%. For the six-month period, gross profit increased by $45.5 million, and gross margin improved by 110 basis points to 45.2%.
  • 3Marketing expenses decreased by $10.9 million in Q2 2010, contributing to improved profitability, while SG&A expenses saw a slight decrease of $0.7 million in the quarter.
  • 4Net income attributable to Church & Dwight Co., Inc. rose to $74.3 million in Q2 2010, a 27.7% increase from $58.2 million in the prior year period. Diluted EPS grew to $1.03 from $0.81.
  • 5The company completed the acquisition of the Simply Saline brand for $70.0 million on June 4, 2010, which is expected to contribute to future growth.
  • 6Cash Flow from Operations was $123.8 million for the first six months of 2010, a decrease from $194.8 million in the prior year, largely due to unfavorable changes in working capital.
  • 7The company declared an increase in its regular quarterly dividend from $0.14 to $0.17 per share, reflecting confidence in its financial position and commitment to shareholder returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the second quarter of 2010, net sales increased by 2.9% to $640.9 million compared to the prior year. For the first six months of 2010, net sales grew by 5.9% to $1.28 billion compared to the same period in 2009. This growth was driven by product volume, favorable foreign exchange rates, and the acquisition of the Simply Saline brand.

The improvement in gross profit and margin was primarily attributed to a reduction in costs associated with the closure of the North Brunswick facility, manufacturing efficiencies from the new York, Pennsylvania plant, and favorable foreign exchange rates. These factors were partially offset by higher trade promotion and slotting costs, and commodity costs.

Marketing expenses decreased by $10.9 million in the second quarter, with marketing as a percentage of sales also declining. Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses saw a slight decrease of $0.7 million in the quarter. These expense management efforts contributed to the significant increase in income from operations and net income.

On June 4, 2010, Church & Dwight acquired the Simply Saline brand for $70.0 million. In the first quarter of 2010, the company sold the BRILLO and certain LAMBERT KAY pet product brands. These transactions are expected to influence future revenue streams and brand portfolio.

For the first six months of 2010, net cash provided by operating activities was $123.8 million, a decrease from the prior year, mainly due to working capital changes. The company maintains a strong liquidity position with significant cash on hand and available credit facilities, anticipating sufficient resources to meet its operational needs, capital expenditures, debt obligations, and dividend payments.